Posts filed under ‘Learning’
Raising Up Ladies and Gents…(oh yeah, and athletes!) UPWARD 2008 BEGINS!
Little girls getting ready to cheer, all shapes, sizes, confidence levels, and personalities. I love it. I love that the girls are encouraged to be cheerleaders, and ladies, all at the same time. I love that there is no pressure. Just learning and fun and even talk about Jesus…being a light to the world, the ultimate cheerleaders, encouragers.
Melissa did a great job tonight, as we all knew she would. So enthusiastic and with such fresh energy. I love that she encouraged the girls to relax, have fun, and be modest/appropriate. Those CAN go together! We have such a fun time. God picked the right person for the job!
You know, off topic here a bit, but I have to give two thumbs up to our schools principle on this one, too. I was told that in a staff preparation meeting, he said to the school staff, “I DON’T want to see none of the ‘FOUR B’s’ from anybody…and if you can’t figure that out, ask somebody. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
Someone specified, in case you are struggling: (b*utts, b*oobs, b*ellies, or b*reasts…[the astriks are a feeble attempt try to reduce spam on this post.]). His short and creative request made a big impact from what I’ve heard and seen.
Of course, we all know it has to do with fit and posture and a host of other non-verbals and intents, but if you want a place to start, that’s a good guide for professionalism and working with people in a non-threatening, safe environment. It’s great to live in a community where those thing are increasing in value over time.
Girls can be fun and encouraging without being sensual and thoughtless. (Lord, come quickly… before my daughter’s teenage years!)
Pictured: Pom Poms when they first come out of the pack. Ugh.
Separating pom poms.
Our third year, and it’s still getting into the heart of me. THAT’S JUST AWESOME!
New Year’s Day: Ode to Tickle-Fests–Finding “Balance” 2007 Review
Ground breaking news flash you can’t wait to read: I get laundry burn-out about this time every year. I know, that introductory sentence just makes you want to gobble this blog entry right up! You RSS readers are clicking to the next post already! Seriously, the holiday shopping and cooking is DONE, and I just want to roast chestnuts by the fire and live off of homemade bread, jam, cinnamon rolls. and coffee for the REST of the winter. But, alas, there are New Years Resolutions to rescue us all.
And, alas, I am a mother and wife. So, tonight I will not let myself go to bed until the laundry room is tidy and ready for school tomorrow. It’s just that kind of stellar commitment, people. I may not be able to WALK through the laundry room, but it will all be clean and ready for school, nonetheless. We don’t want to overdo, people.
In my ”back to school nesting”, I just cleaned out my fridge, as Misty recommends, with baking soda. Yes, it works great! Man, it looks good in there. Not to overdo in one night, I’ll say it again, but my freezer may get it next. I just have the worst trouble throwing stuff in the freezer away! I do have the organizational skills and know-how, it’s just a matter of priority and dedication I’m lacking.
In any case, of greater priority: I worked on a Rubix Cube tonight while we watched a family movie, Mr. Beanie. I’ll save that review of that unusual movie for another time. My Hub suggested The Cube must be a “life goal” for me. I don’t know…it’s just sitting there, and it’s either that or the laundry. I got all the sides except for corners on one remaining side tonight…Man! Then I somehow messed it up because the “weigh in” new couples show started using words we don’t approve of in our home and it distracted me. Darn TV. Messin’ with my goals. 
The Hub said I should have showed him ’cause he wouldn’t believe that until he saw it! The nerve. I’ll try again. Boy Wonder is BEGGING me to keep trying. He’s either a good cheerleader, or very conniving, I can’t decide which.
I was reading a blog tonight where “savor” was her word last year. That’s when it hit me. That’s what God has been teaching me lately: SAVOR: the word is similar to Thanksgiving, but with some Rachel Raye added to it. Not quite the “BAM!” of Emeril, but Savor…to enjoy, relish, partake in the goodness. Not just observing, but tasting it, taking the time to taste. (My definition.)
“Savor” is very near to worship, I think. To learn to “savor” in any circumstances, bringing whatever you have, fully “engaged”, meaning: to take part, enter in, “be there”. Not just observing, more than cheering, giving fully wherever you are, whatever you bring to the table, whatever the circumstances. Plugging it all in, working the puzzle, longing to see what is there for you to see, longing to know what there is to know. Yet, trusting him when you don’t understand a THING yet. Drawing near…in trust. It’s celebrating who He is…not just what He does. It’s faith enough to get back to the smile. I can smile! He’s in control.
After reading Big Mama’s excellent New Year’s Day post, it seemed necessary to say something significant between The Rubix Cube and The Folding of the White Clothes.
“B a l a n c e” was my key word early last year…which led me to ”savor-ing”, now that I think of it. Savoring balances intensity. I needed a second word to acheive my first. That makes me smile. My prayer was, “Lord, teach me whatever balance means for me, for us. I haven’t got a clue.” And, he taught me “savor”.
People over the age of 50 seem to have had a better time finding balance of these two: intensity and savoring. Advice on my learning curve came with strange ideas like: “Intensity needs the balance of abandon.” ”Learn to PLAY.”
My internal answer: “But, my work IS my play! What do you MEAN!?”
The reply: ”Go have a tickle fight and tell me how that goes.”
My thoughts: “WHAT?”
But, I said, “Oh, we have fun, all the time, sure! No problem!” {ahem}.
It only takes me a year or two to start to get it at all. (I’m not the fastest car on the lot, AND…I’m still pretty intense sometimes.)
But…I’ve learned how to have one heck of a tickle-fest now and then somewhere in there!
To more tickle-fests!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Comments: on
Scripture Memory Thoughts
I’ve noticed my kids breaking out into song as they walk around the house, even today. You know what they are singing? “We Three Kings”. They were bored with it while we learned it. They complained about it. They stumble over the words, a bit…but now that they KNOW it. they sing it to themselves as they go about their day!
I need to use the same approach and tenacity in teaching memory verses. They may not be amused by it, they may gripe and complain, but when they are alone and when their thoughts turn…they will be turning over a lifeline in their minds and hearts.
I’m trying to think of a way to incorporate more scripture into our family times this year, especially since they aren’t in Christian school getting it everyday anymore (we are enjoying public school, actually…they were just ready for it, and the Lord led us there, we feel).
I found some used NavPress memory boxes…two boxes. I may challenge my husband to learn them with me. He’s asked about cards before. As we go, we can challenge ourselves to teach our kids, I think. You can buy them. They come with KJV on one side, and NIV on the other. There are links below.
I like to memorize NIV best. It’s pretty standard in language and useage. If I need to find the verse later, NIV concordances are the best in the NIV Study Bible.
I got a pack of mine used from an elderly couple in our church to use. I got another matching pack at a second hand store for $.50.
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verse cards/packs
I am passionate about memorizing God’s Word having been raised in a Christian home that valued scripture memory. In trying to pass that on to Sunday School classes and Bible studies we are involved in, we have found it helpful to provide a “starter” kit. We have found that bulk,perforated,printable business cards are perfect (found in the computer paper section of most stores), and business card holders are easily found in office supply stores in cloth, leather and vinyl. While some of them lack the clear outside window, they work well and can be purchased in leather for as little as $5. They are slightly bigger than conventional verse cards, but we actually find them easier to use. We pray this information is helpful.Posted by Janet Feb 26 2007 9:00AM
Leather Verse Packs
Leather verse packs for sale. Contact Tom @ tdclat@swbell.net or 918-524-1743.Posted by Tom Aug 25 2006 4:17PM
I make verse packs for Eagle Lake Camp
I make these for Eagle Lake and a few Navigator collegiate staff. I make them out of vinyl and printed cotton fabric. Email me at halfpinthouse@gmail.com if you would like info. Thanks!Posted by Megan Jun 5 2006 3:23PM
verse packs
I began my scripture memory use of verse packs in 1977 and have been thru three or four and was hoping to find a couple more for the future. I’ve owned both the vinyl and the leather and much prefer the leather. Scripture memory has been the most influential discipline in my walk with the Lord. Relying on God’s Word on a moment-by-moment basis has been made possible by this great tool. I don’t know of any Christ-centered discipline which affords the believer such instant access to His thinking and heart which in turn lends itself naturally to meditation, prayer, and application. I can go for a long walk or drive and meditate on His Word with hardly a fuss. I have gotten so dependent on memorizing God’s Word that I will pick up my memory verse pack before I pick up my keys or wallet whenever I leave the house. It has become highly essential for me as I have found His Word to be truly liberating. I find in His Word promises of forgiveness, guidance, comfort, joy, peace, wisdom, understanding, mercy, help, restoration, strength, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, patience, hope, love, care, concern, rescue, honor, deliverance, protection, provision, answered prayer, sustenance, rest, the list goes on and on.Posted by Greg Cales Jun 5 2006 2:24PM
Still looking at holders, here’s another great source of information and tips on using cards:
The best option for a holder would be one with a window. Office Depot carries one in their stores (but not online) that has a window. It is the Buxton Genuine Leather Business Card Case (OD85-958).
The vinyl card holders sold by the Navigators (included in the TMS) have a window. The advantage of the window is to show the verse you are currently working on without pulling the card out. The drawback, however, is the size of the cards. The cards used by the Navigators are smaller than your standard business card, therefore the Navigator cardholder will not hold a business-size card. Here is a template for Microsoft Word that is the same size cards as the Navigator cards. You will have to print them on cardstock and cut these cards out.
Next, and most importantly, you must make a commitment to carry the card case with you everywhere you go. For instance, you are standing in line at the grocery store or Wal-Mart. That is a perfect time to pull your verse out and read it over several times. Carrying your memory verses must become a habit. Don’t leave home without them!
read more tips from the source: here
Teaching Kids to Cross-Stitch
This morning, I wanted to teach my daughter to cross-stitch. I had bought her a tiny little ornament kids for her birthday that says “Princess”. We stayed in our pjs, cuddled in my bed, and learned basic patterned stitching.
She is ready for real canvas, some knots, snags, and is prepared for the PATIENCE it takes with it. She wasn’t ready a year ago! I honestly think it takes repeat exposure to prepare them…like riding a bike.
For kids learning, you might want to collect:
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a small hoop (keeps their stitches uniform and the fabric more clean and starched)
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a water-erasing fabric pen, so that you can mark fabric for them (unless you want to sit and count squares for them all day!).
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a highlighter, to mark parts of the paper pattern they have finished
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(NO thimble is needed at this age).
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Tape, for the edges of the fabric– clear or masking tape– to keep the canvas from unraveling and getting dirty
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a magnetic pin holder,
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Zip lock project back. KEEP scissors and needle and thread in after EACH use (we’re still working on this!).
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For preschoolers: plastic canvas, XL plastic or metal “needles” (no point at all on those) available in kids at the dollar store often. These start with a “half-cross” only pattern, so they can learn it with some help.
Kid Review:
“This is fun!”
“It’s fun to do something all together, the same thing at the same time!”
“I like this!”
I think it was a hit.
As I helped them, I was able to actually finish up a few projects I’d started in high school and in college that had been left to sit through the years. My husband’s wanted some of my finished pieces in our house, so I thought I’d try to get them washed and started and framed for Christmas.
Bookmarks: I did these in college for Christmas gifts from a library book. I just wouldn’t give one away until I made a new one from the pattern of the last. One more of those to go. It will be my last.
The other two larger pieces, I did as a teen, but never finished them totally. I needed to finished border and details on both, initialed and dated them…they represent a blend of early and late skills. Those things have touched my hands over twenty years!
One says: “Pray: that God may open a door, that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ!”
The other says: “Be anxious for nothing”.
I have a pattern book with some trucks and tractors on it, hoping I can teach my eldest, too. Basic sewing skills are so helpful to have. I’m glad mom fought with us and our knots through winters as she tried to sew herself. What a challenge!
Misty and her girls dropped by for a few minutes today for a visit…we were in flannels. I asked, “Where’s the baby?” She answered, “Um, still in my belly. He’s still pretty easy to carry.” I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ve had three so long, I assume everyone else does, too! I can’t believe Zoe is getting so big! Time for another baby for them!!! I can’t wait!
Plans: for the rest of this day: cleaning bathrooms and floors, unstopping the toilet, laundry, supper, and making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls.
Tomorrow: finishing up shopping, Hub’s work party, wrapping, and housework.
And…I’ve resolved to do fun stuff with my kids EVERY DAY! Tomorrow, Hub’s party, and hopefully a game or puzzle. Mexican Train is calling my name!
Work With the End in Mind
Christmas can be a draining time of year. Expectations are high all around to “make the season bright” for everyone. And I love to try.
There is little time for health or friends. Though I set goals for the new year.
Much sickness. We survive. Treat. Have meds ready and on time. Humidifiers going, thanks to The Hub.
I love the season in general! I enjoy making the holidays and blessing the fam. And yes, I know I will miss it when these years are gone! I know.
But, there are moments when I think: “It would be nice to wake up with no lists flying through my head at 100 mph. Nice to wake up to a non-hurricane-looking house. Nice to not have paper clutter and “stuff” unmanaged and flowing out of every possible crevice due to joyful overload. Nice if anyone walked throught and thought, ‘What could I put away as I go.’ Nice to have the carpets treated, closets and drawers cleaned, and “stuff” cleared and gone out of the way. Nice to have a friend over!!!”
Every day. All day. Cards, gifts, lists, snacks, meals, laundry, clean-up, purging, going through, sifting ideas, more mess.
Surely it will all get done in time! Surely?
You know what I LOVE about the morning after Christmas? All the 100 mph lists are gone! That motivating “list” flying through my head at 100 mph for a month comes to a stop! And then, I need a nice, long, winter’s nap with no expectations whatsoever for a while! (Day after Christmas shopping? You’ve GOT to be kidding me! Maybe some year I’ll get that industrious.)
Oh, lists. Lists of expectations. May I keep them a joy!!!! THE GIFT. Being a blessing.
Today: Shopping. Mailed Cards. Kitchen. Floors. Garland. Grocery: lists for Gift in a Jar Treats. Ornaments as gifts.
PS: Hope you enjoy the music selections. Thanks to South Breeze Farm for inspiration on sounds I like best–I found myself leaving their site minimized to keep listening I liked it so much!!! If you need to stop the music, there is a pause button on the right hand sidebar.
“How Do I Give If I’m In Debt Myself?”– Financial Quandries
A few questions have come up. If you are interested, and need some help or freedom in this area: read on. If not, skip it! Isn’t blogging a joy?
There are two things to differentiate: the tithe, and then the offering. Two very different things.
The titheis to be a “first-fruit”. What’s a first-fruit? It’s not Juicy Fruit. It’s not an apple. Don’t put either of those in the offering plate unless God tells you to specifically.
In the Old Testament, God asked the people to give the first of their crops and harvests to him, the best of what they had. It was to be given as an offering before they ate any of the restof the harvest. The firstfruit was given to help establish priority of thanksgiving, the priority of obedience, and to remember God first.
The tithe today is intended to represent “first-fruit”. That is why you don’t want to wait until there is a surplus to tithe. Test God in that. He will meet the rest. Some adjustments and priority may need to be made, but that’s where the rule of 90 comes in.
The Rule of 90: (I coined that term myself…I love it. I sounds so official). I didn’t coin the idea. The other 90% has to be given to God for the 10% rule to work with grace. God wants our all in everything. And the very cool thing is: He does more with it than we ever could!
Tithing seems to work to align our lives in greater wisdom and less attachment to things. He teaches us to rely on creativity, ingenuity, and thanksgiving to fill our hearts rather than the pleasure of “stuff”.
The baseline for the tithe, what God expects from us, is generally defined as 10% of the check (gross or net is up to you to decide. One person said, “Do you want a gross or a net blessing?“) Most financial books only consider income. However, there are also I’ve been compelled to give a tithe on other blessings or provisions God provides me out of the ordinary. There is a Biblical basis for this. In the Old Testament, they tithed any provision…even spices.
We have the children tithe their birthday cash. This is a personal decision not dictated by scripture, but a tool we’ve chosen to use to teach our kids the priority of giving. They enjoy it and are sad when they leave it at home. I’ve seen them cry and ask us to go back home for it. They like to take part and give something “adult”, giving something of their very own. It’s amazed us to watch.
The Offering:
The offering is given above the tithe. While the tithe is considered the monthly commitment to help support the budget of the local body where we are involved, we think of offerings as other gifts we may give to support special causes inside or outside the church. It’s “a love offering”…something to help others “just because”.
You might ask, “How do you get ahead enough to do both, I can’t even get my act together enough to tithe yet?”
Start. I recommend starting with the tithe rather than with the offering because the tithe is what God asks. Give what you can. Give an offering if you absolutely cannot tithe, but if God asks us to do it, his requests of us are not burdensome. He only asks us to do what is good for us.
Show genuine and long-term interest and discipline in giving and managing income, and he will help you learn more and more until you see the joy in it. It’s like anything else we learn, it takes time, some stumbling, some falling, and eventually learning to walk with a solid gait so that you don’t even remember the “learning to walk”. You just know that you walk. I have to tell you that it’s great to not have to feel convicted or defensive every time the subject comes up. Try.
I had jury duty this week and several people had VERY legitimate excuses to not serve where they were asked. The judge said, “But, can you try? Do it one time for me and we’ll see how it goes before we excuse you, okay? Try, and then we’ll make arrangements”. Perhaps the same applies here. Before you make excuses, try. Then make needed adjustments if you have to.
But, we’re WAY in debt. Sometimes the ends don’t meet!
I’d like to suggest that in 90% of the cases, debt is due to extravagance, not need. It is due to credit card abuse and use, overspending, and frivolity. That’s the bottom line. Yes, we pay for mistakes. One way to keep from doing it again is to begin tithing. A monthly reminder that we are working toward a goal of managing our money as God intended will help the next time you want to upgrade a car or get more than is necessary.
Let me insert a personal note here. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than a family committed to becoming debt free. They learn to be creative with their time. They learn to not keep up with the Joneses, they develop an inner beauty that radiates because they are trying to honor the Lord with what they have. They learn to be content where they are and share out of that, rather than trying to impress. They are a joy to be around. I had one friend who regularly invited us over for simple meals of homemade waffles or spaghetti. To this day it was the best food I’ve ever eaten, and the best company we’ve ever kept.
I’ve had friends who wanted to be out of debt so that they could be even better givers. They tithed what they could in that process, but they wanted to be freed up– to lose their focus on money and “stuff”. They may have started at a lower percentage, with the goal of increasing it every quarter until they got to 10%. Personally, I’d rather know I’m blessing the Lord and give the full 10%, trusting Him, but you start where you are, and it’s easier to do 10 when you’ve begun there. Start where you are, and get there. You may have a heart to increase it as the Lord increases you, as some I know. Giving becomes a surpasses joy, I do know that.
Examples: I’ve seen four families go through a debt free process. One family had 3 kids, one 4, one 5, and one was a couple without kids. There are many ways to start, but a budget is usually involved. If you a person who struggles with management and numbers, a simple envelop system may work. You take budget areas and label an envelope with each area according to records of past expenses, or how much you think the family could make it on that area. (Don’t forget to include long- term expenses like insurance and taxes). Also, try to build several hundred dollars for a start on an “emergency fund” envelope.
If the grocery envelop goes empty, you have to pull from another area that month: entertainment, eating out, or clothing. After a few months, you begin to see where spending problems are, or where adjustments need to be made: there is motivation to get creative or do better in some areas so that there is some left in other areas.
Larry Burkett’s “How to Manage Your Money” is a great resource for money. Ron Blue offers good suggestions as well. Read what you can, try it, and find what works best for you. Keeping the idea fresh in your mind by reading books helps with restraint, especially in high expenditure times like the holidays where people want to “love” people to death and then stay mad the rest of the year trying to pay off the debt! Agh! Break that cycle this year!
Gifts: How Do I Give and Make the Holidays Work?
We are not hurting financially at this time. But, we still try to set up the kids for their future. How? We regularly give our kids gently used gifts for Christmas if it’s something they might enjoy. Things I’ve found along the way and saved for a rainy day. I’ve always wrapped some “necessities” like warm winter clothing or church clothes so that they know the value of those things and remember to have joy and thanks over them. They are the priority, why not learn to celebrate that together in a tangible way? Plus, it makes the tree pretty and helps extend gift giving time without buying so many toys they don’t need. We all make homemade gifts for each other and buy useful things. We might defer the purchase of an appliance until the holidays so that we have something new and useful to enjoy at that time.
It doesn’t have to be something sparkly and new, meant to impress all our friends for us to remember to feel valued and take joy. Provoking jealousy is a problem…don’t do it. Guard yourselves if being around those types of people causes you to feel “less than” in your approach during the holidays. Rejoice for them! But, don’t let it question your family’s approach if the goal is debt reduction. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page. Don’t surprise a spouse with a “big gift” if you agreed to minimize. That is a killer of joy. Rejoice in simplicity.
Reduce the amount spent on baking. You’ll live without it. Most of us won’t miss it a year. Simplify. Create other traditions like covered pretzels or working puzzles that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Rejoice in traditional ornaments and family heirlooms instead of having the latest fad decorations. An occasional new item is alright, try to find it post season for next year.
Well, that’s all for today! I hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas or that they’ve been useful in some way. If you have questions, feel free to email me. I’ll try to get to all the questions here and there. Thanks for asking!
How Precious to God
There continue to be many painful losses in our community in a very short amount of time. Most folks around here are in ”coping” mode, ”helping” mode, ”supportive” mode, “grieving” mode, or “recovery” mode. Everyone smiles and has grace for everyone else. And we are all amazed at the grace being poured out. There are smiles, laughing, and deep emotion. It is exhausting to feel the extremes of emotion, but we are thankful for it all the same.
The many needs are so vast and pressing. I encourage staying strong and stay rested. Try not to serve outside the grace God has given you, even when you feel obligated. God will always provide a fill for you when it’s needed if you are needing rest. Always. Let him let grace flow. It does…trust me. With a heart condition, I’ve always had to limit myself to keep from trying to do too much. And the need is always met, and grace is always there for the needs, and God gives me rest and joy for the next thing he has for ME to do. I’m much better at it if I only move according to the grace he has given me. Keep serving, keep blessing, but don’t go beyond the grace you are given. It pulls us all down. Let God call others out. Organize. Teach the young to serve. Teach the young to rest.
God puts us in this season — and I don’t know much about it, but I do know this one thing: even with it all seems to hit at the same time, and it just seems to keep on coming… it is His most merciful path. We serve a merciful God.
I was thinking of this yesterday, comparing it in my own mind to getting all my kids immunizations when they were babies. Oh! I hated it! Four to six immunizations combined in up to four syringes, maybe more. Little, tender, chubby, baby legs, two nurses (if I was lucky), one Mommy. All at the same time. Yes, you know why we combine it all, those of you have have young. It is more humane, though painful and terrible and nothing we’d want to wish on any baby or desire to repeat.
He is nothing if not a merciful God.
Here are a few scriptures that have calmed my mind lately. There are hard to find when you need them, so I hope to write the references in the front of my Bible this time, though I keep them close at heart. I’ve star-ed them in my Bible over time. I hope they minister to you as much as they do me in seasons of grief. I’ve stumbled back over most of them in the last couple weeks and they soothe somehow, though they are direct.
Ecclesiastes 7
Wisdom
1 A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Isn’t it a beautiful thing to read how God values times of mourning even more highly than times of celebration? He knowsthe depth and love and learning that is there. He knows we learn more in times of heartache than in times of celebration, though he cherishes both. He included in his law to Moses seasons of feasting and celebration! He loves a good party, as it is often said of Jesus (God in the flesh) as well.
For the believer, death is better than life! But, some believers have a hard time with mourning, feeling they are disrespecting the happiness God has given their loved one. No, God encourages us to do our mourning, whatever it takes. He treasures that time. He recognizes there is much to be accomplished and learned there. He only reminds us to remember hope–to not let despair or fear or anger take up permanent residence in us. He wants us to deal with it well. He says this gently: ”Do not grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.” (I Thess. 4:13) We encourages us to grieve well.
This verse is a special one to me, one I quote often, every time I’m at the funeral of a Christian. I can never seem to remember the reference when I quote it, and people always ask me for it. Here it is: Psalm 116:15 —
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (or ’loved ones’).”
This also speaks to the verse in Ecclesiastes. I look it up often, and it’s hard to find, as it’s in the Amplified version only worded this way, but it says God will “harden you to difficulties”. I think the trick here is to be hardened to difficulties, while keeping a SOFT HEART. To do this, one thing will will all have to eventually learn, I suspect…how to grieve well.
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and {yes, I will} retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. (Isaiah 41:10, Amp, emph added)
You have to love how God goes ahead and answers every question we could possibly have: “Yes, I will!” Yes, He will strengthen you, “harden you” (I think of a hardened oak tree with deep roots, able to handle any weather). Yes, he will help you. Yes, He will hold you up!!! Yes, he will keep us with victory! Yes, he will work justice.
Yes…He will! Mourn. “It is better that you mourn”. Mourn well, “as those who have hope”.
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If you think these verses might help someone you know, right click on the title of this post “How Precious to God”, select “copy shortcut” and “paste” the link into an email document.
Make a list of these scriptures; put them in the front of your Bible for ready reference– I plan to.
Photo: Maggie
“Paradise Park”
11.13.07
When the Fruit Isn’t At It’s Finest
The Quilt is being broken in today. Boy Wonder just called home vomiting at school. I spread it over the couch and he’s recovering there. There’s just nothing like a cool quilt!
I started feeling some better last night. I think it was probably hay fever (allergies), rather than a cold. I’m so glad. I’ve had my share of the cold thing this month already! I actually got through my closet last night most of the way. I worked on it a bit more this morning. Last night, I straightened, today, I’m purging. I usually only buy clothes I intend to last for some time, even if I buy them used, so it’s hard to get rid of things that have some use left, but my clothes need room to breathe. Time to narrow down to my most used.
I need to get the fridge cleaned out today, too. Misty seemed to be quite in control of this task. I think she should come give me a lesson 
.
I’m thinking on our sermon series this week a lot: the fruit of the Spirit. I found a really cool evaluation list that challenged me yesterday. I posted it here. I’ll probably make a permanent copy to keep in my spiritual journal. It’s very good. You know, I’ve been a Christian since I was seven. You’d think I’d be controlled by the Holy Spirit enough by now to be gentle and kind and sweet natured, but alas! I am not.
This brings me to some personal evaluation and choices. Being controlled by the Holy Spirit is both a result, and a choice. I choose whether or not to put others first. I choose whether or not to serve when I’m busy doing something else. I choose whether or not to stop what I’m doing and respond with patience. I have to make choices. Apparently, my choices so far in some areas haven’t led to gentleness, patience, and joy…so, there is only one answer. My choices have been wrong.
A hard reality. Lord, keeping guiding me to make better choices, ones that honor and glorify you. Not ones that promote productivity, efficiency, or individuality. No…ones that promote servanthood, serving, and giving. Preference to my family over myself. Preference to modeling over teaching. Preference to serving rather than ”toughening”. Remind me to serve. It is my role.
Afternoon Lesson for Me
“Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow.” – Oscar Wilde
Ya think?
But, it did make me go “Hmmmm.”
Elements of truth. But, not truths in whole. Recently, movies like “Peaceful Warrior” and “The Last Mimsy”, and “The Cilistine Prophecies”– movies like that have similar thoughts, ideas, challenges, spiritually prompting “hmmms”.
Perhaps we all need a fresh challenge to be SURE we are spending more time and dedication to the word than we are giving to entertainment, Oprah, or ANYONE else. A center where things are weighed.
If media is the only center of balance…a jaded perspective. Do we spend enough time in the word to think, “Hmmm, the Bible says something about this, too. What else do I need to add to the counsel of this intriguing or motivating thought to stay balanced in God’s views on the matter?
Again, here is the beginning quote, “Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow.” – Oscar Wilde
Some truth. Some wisdom. What else does the word have to say about disposition, presentation of self, living fully? Do we act on this quote and “loosen up” in reaction, or do we examine ourselves in light of God’s word, and perhaps take a challenge? Both can happen. I see people “reacting” all the time. The challenge is not to react, but to thoughtfully respond.
Here are some key words that came to my mind in thoughfully examining this quote from a Biblical perspective. (By the way: word searches and phrase searches are one reason to advocate spending a lot of time in one version of the Bible…you can research quickly phrases that spring to mind, even if you didn’t understand them or if they had little consequence to you at the time. Biblegateway.com and Concordances in the back of good study Bible are indespensable. I found these in about two minutes:
- Titus2: 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…
- Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” - Haggai 1:5
“Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”
Haggai 1:4-6 (in Context) Haggai 1 (Whole Chapter) - Haggai 1:7
“This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”
Haggai 1:6-8 (in Context) Haggai 1 (Whole Chapter)
- Ephesians 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace.”
- Two Kinds of Wisdom: (James 3:13) “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3)
- Ecclesiastes 7:2
2 You learn more at a funeral than at a feast—
After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it. - Proverbs 16:26 (The Message)
26 Appetite is an incentive to work;
hunger makes you work all the harderSome of these directly apply, some held shades of meaning that popped up for me when keywords came to mind for me to look up.So, some of the verses apply more directly than others, but how does this round out the initial quote a bit for you? Does it at all? Interested in your thoughts.Maggie
Sunday–Thank You for your timely words…
The fruit of righteousness will be PEACE the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence FOREVER.
Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)
Lord, thank you for a nap. Thank you for Tylenol. Thank you for fresh and delicious [!!!!!! WOW] corn from the garden, first time today…you should be very jealous (even if you don’t like corn on the cob).
Lord, thank you for the challenge of your word.
Peace.
Quiet… inside and out.
Confidence….forever.
Again….17And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. (Isa. 32:17 AMP)
Lord, thank you for different versions of your word, and for verses that hit my mind “at just the right time” to re-minister and bring focus to me. Thank you for note cards from days past read and re-read that spring to mind when I’m needy.
Thank you for opportunities to serve and love you to the fullest. Over and over…that is the joy!
Thank you for your deep pleasure and abiding joy over us…and in us.
Thank you for the indwelling love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentlness, and self control that are the fruit of the Spirit…YOU!!!
You reign. You reign. You REIGN! Keep reigning, and reign me in!
How good it is when you do!
Continue to reign! As you will.
YOU REIGN.
How to Find Hope, Rest, Focus
These were three verses from my time with the Lord yesterday. They hit me immediately where I was stuck.
“Trust in the Lord and do good.” (Psalm 37:3 NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but BE OF GOOD CHEER [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].”John 16:33 AMP
“Lean on {emotionally}, trust in {mentally}, and be confident in the Lord {outward expression of trust} with all your heart {emotions} and mind {thoughts} and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. {Instead}In all your ways {thoughts, actions, presentation, feelings}, know {know Jesus}, recognize {look for Him }, and acknowledge Him {say “hello! I see you! Thank you!”}, and {then} He will direct, and make straight, and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) {brackets mine}
Joyce Meyer’s Seven Things that Steal Your Joy : Chapter, ”Excessive Reasoning” was for me yesterday:
“If you want to have joy, you must stop trying to figure out everything. You must stop rolling your problems around in your mind. You have to quit anxiously searching for an answer to your situation, trying to figure out what you should do about it…you will not enjoy your life because there are too many things you will never figure out. You can decide to move on without knowing the details. If God wants to tell you, He will tell you. But don’t drive yourself crazy trying to figure it out…”
Jesus said to the disciples {worrying about feeding the crowd}, ‘ O ye of little faith, why reason among yourselves?’ (Matthew 16:8 KJV)”
Such joy and peace and blessing and direction invaded my world yesterday after a good, focused, quiet time. Such a great shift.
Blessings,
Willow Creek Worship Arts Conference–Personal Notes
David Crowder above
Click Post title to view photos and entire post
Personal Reflections from Willow Creek’s Arts and Worship Conference 2007:
- Point of HOPE: The theme was around celebrating “What Is Right With the World”. As I said in an earlier blog, my “hope tank” needed some enlargement. I’ve known that for some time. God met me there. I was beginning to wonder what “hope” really meant. And I started to remember. That’s about all I can say about that. With hope, that’s about all you need. I was just thinking that hope isn’t a deep, tangible, easily expressed idea–it is more of–say, a butterfly you aren’t sure you saw, but think you did, were quickly captivated by it, and felt an urge to chase it to see it again– even though you know that if you touch it, you’ll likely kill it. If you are fortunate enough to have a camera, there is no way to capture the beauty of the moment…and it will likely flight again before you can even focus, and the light will not seem as true, nor the colors on the wing completely captured enough to describe to someone else. The magic just can’t be shred. But, only if you smile, if for that brief and unreasonable chase…that’s hope. I don’t know how, but it just keeps you going in hard times. It comes and it goes, we never know when it will come, that flitter of hope we need, but we need hope.
- Point on CYNICISM: It would behoove us to keep in mind that when Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun”…he was having a really bad day. Later, we also read the God’s “mercies are new every morning”. That’s the heart of the artist…capturing it, looking for it, knowing it. Not getting caught up in cynicism and fatigue too long, even when we have a really bad day that brings some really sobering and wise- sounding, perhaps even truly wise thoughts.
- Point of Wonder: God, who WAS Creator, is STILL creator. We have gotten old. He hasn’t. So, He’s STILL creator. That is who he is. So, creation and art are very important to him. They ARE Him. So…what if, every day, He says to the shining sun…”DO IT AGAIN!”, with a big smile on his face, still creating works of wonder for our pleasure? The point? Facts alone don’t do God justice…we need the arts to awaken our hearts to God. Creation does that. Art does that. Stories do that. Relationships do that. We are wired for, not just agreements of theological concepts, but romance, mystery, beauty, creation, newness, freshness, moments of inspiration.
- Point of Challenge: Decisions are not always made based on a rational set of bulletted points. We are influenced to decisions by irrational processes often. We often justify those decisions as rational when they were mysterious and anything but rational at the time. This should direct the way we try to reach people.
- Point of Learning: When God tells a story in the Bible, He does not then often say, “Here is the point of the the story”, or “Here is the moral to the story”, or “Here is your take home message”. The stories speak for themselves. Often, we look for “the point” too much in our own lives. So, in the same way: God is telling a story with our life’s ups and downs…put there for creative interest and contrast. Movies with no tension, nobody is watching. Take heart. Let him be a great producer and writer…just cooperate. Stop looking for the point quite so often. (God has said this to me so many times this year… it is quite scarey).
- Point of Encouragement: God wants us to be filled up each day with him…each and every morning, for our tasks, trusting we’ll be refilled for the next day. Personally speaking, often lately, I start to doubt if He can keep up with the pace of my life! If I can keep up! I need to learn to pace and trust more and more and more and more.
- Point of Disagreement: I did not agree with the way dealing with long term sin was handled from the “emergent” standpoint. I don’t know if this is inherent to their thinking or not. I did enjoy some awesome speakers and enlarged my mind. I am reading a couple books with more of an emergent slant. However, I do not applaud those who clap to every idea a popular author says. We need to sift. More on that at another time. Tough love is very tough, but it works. I know that personally.
- Point of Ministry: The last day of the conference, a worship leading couple from Australia shared their life pain and how it is a contradiction leading in worship when your faith and strength are spent. People need hope and energy and you feel “busted up”. I wept. I mean, really wept at their whole thing. I needed it. I can’t say that there was a take home point, no filling or healing or great wave of understanding, or even any new feeling of favor or love of God…I have that. Just reality–a need to see it. Face it in terms of faith. Cry it out. I did. God was reassuring me that He’d just give me the time I needed to cry…, and He did. I appreciated it royally. I appreciate time for a good healthy and relevant cry. It’s a gift. (An older man in the back of the room pressed his hankie into the palm of my hand and asked me to keep it as a souvenior as I tried to return it for washing, though I didn’t get it too dirty. I thought it a rather odd word “souvenier”, the word he used. But, the more I pondered his eyes and words, the more I realized the precious difference in a tissue and a hankie. Tissues are dispensable, hygenic, and cleaned, hankies are recycled, washes, and personal. He asked that I just remember him. We’ve shared tears on the same hankie…I doubt I could forget him if I tried.
- Point of Tears: I pray I’m more like a Hanky than a Kleenex. See ”Point of Ministry” above.
- Photos: Click here for my photos
I’d love to hear about what “spoke to you” and discussions from your group. Link here for me to follow your writings and posts.
Willow Creek Worship Arts Conference–The Story
I’m home. Slept until 10AM, and it feels great. 11 hours in a car yesterday and I needed a good sleep! Can’t wait to go pick up my kids! No time for pictures yet…I may come back and add some to this post later for you blogline readers. Necessarily, this will be short right now. I’ll add more later on various topics as I have time to review notes, which were awesomely packed with great stuff to chew on.
The conference was timely for me. Such gentle and sensitive layers of grace for both of us. Free to listen, rest, cry, and just celebrate that our God is a master story crafter, needing all the elements and ‘tensions’that seem so grueling to us to make a “good story of our lives”. More on that later.
For now, just a lot of little affirmations that I am where I need to be for this season, and it’s all okay. It’s all part of my story.
Also…HOPE: hope in the midst of pain is still real hope. Hope in the midst of fatigue brings us through. “Hope is as frivolous as it is indespensable.” It seemed so fragile, undependable, unreliable. And yet, “these three remain”.
a hope, not blind, but one that stares life and pain and reality in the face and knows it still needs hope as much as it needs God.
My oldest son was sick at camp Wednesday and Thursday, my younger son lost his first tooth this week while we were gone (don’t ya think he could have had the decency to wait until I got back home?) My uncle had a massive heart attack, but is doing better now.
Lots of “stuff”…always…to test hope, but God is good, all the time. Truly! Always!
Spiritual Principles for Crystal Clear Pool Water This Summer
Well, the pool is just about ready to open. The Lord was speaking to me today while I was cleaning the pool. You pool lovers can relate. You know, there are times in our lives when we need “shock treatment” from those heavy chemicals…bleach, Baquacil, whatever you use to really pounce all those bad boy griminess out of that winter yucked water.
Then, even after the “shock” you have to back-wash OFTEN those first few days to get rid of everything running through the filter. But, you loose water backwashing, so then you have to fill up the pool with more water.
You must also vacuum the floor and walls, or that stuff will never break free on it’s own.
And, after vaccumming, you have to brush down the walls to get the super fine dirt off. Why? Well, the water isn’t clear with that dust layer on there, and it only holds more dirt, and grows fungi-stuff that is a real pain to deal with. So, even that has to come off.
Then you have to test the water and add more chemicals to balance it out, for with the added water, comes added chlorine. Once that is done…you can enjoy swimming. But, even then, you swim with a sponge or glove to reach the spots the broom and vacuum couldn’t reach.
Why all the work? To keep from having to do more work later. To avoid added expense, to help ensure guests will enjoy swimming, to make it shine beautifully, sparkling blue in the light, with no “eye sores” to distract.
Isn’t that work in some ways like our spiritual lives? Once it’s clean, we just do maintenance…not nearly as much brushing and cleaning, but occasionally, after storms, or when we’ve been gone on a trip for a few days and it’s been neglected, we have to start over again. Why? It’s worth the enjoyment of a “clean pool”.
The Christian life requires some work on our part to have that kind of water. The great thing is: the blood of Christ, our cleansing agent is free…we must just receive it and apply it where there is dirt and grime trying to build up and get a hold on things. The word of God, freely given to all, is alive in our hearts. We must just let it do it’s work. Remember it. Apply it. Let it activate in the murky waters. Even through the winter months, we have the “pool cover” of the Holy Spirit, keeping out the leaves and yuck that would only make matters worse underneath. We have all the tools we need. and we have the Holy Spirit empowering us and working alongside us.
I am looking forward to fine swimming this summer, no matter what it takes. It’s worth it.
Maggie
Empasse-ing
Warning: this is a long and personal post “where I am and need to be”…if you aren’t in the mood, just skip it for now, or come back later, or move on. Either way, have a great day, and know I am so thankful you stopped by to see what’s up!
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So…I have come to an empasse. Is that how you spell “empasse”? I don’t know. I’ve haven’t come across one in a while. And, the last time I did, I don’t think I noted the spelling. I was too busy “emapass-ing”, I suppose.
I’ve been rather under the weather for the last week, naseated one hour, exhausted the next, allergy symptoms the next…raw throat all the time. Little Red feels about the same. So, we aren’t getting along all that well except when we curl up to nap together. It’s no fault of either of us, it’s just that we both feel pretty rotten altogether. I actually come home to nap before my next meeting to make it. It’s a sad and sorry state which sounds made for old people. Though I am getting older, I’m not an old person. Not that there is anything wrong with old people. I like old people, especially those who look like they’ve got the joke on you…they just smile a lot as if something incredibly entertaining just happened, though it usually didn’t. Perhaps it is all the “empass-ing” they’ve done? They just learn to “get over”, “get through”, “get by”, or “get around” just about any and everything there is to “empasse”.
This time of year I usually make new goals. But, the last few seasons I’ve made new goals and I’ve not cared if I attained them or not. Part of this is good, for my goals are just redirected to other healthy things. But, I suppose I’m just ready for a bit more ‘balance in the basics’. I’m sure this is normal. But, especially when a person is mulling these things AND feeling like crud warmed over a few too many days, the two together are quite motivating, for there is the illusion that if I live healthier, I will feel healthier. Works for me every time. And, I do believe this is part of God’s reason for the common cold and other annoying viruses. I have no Biblical proof of this, of course, just a personal observation.
Most of my lack of discipline, I find myself just not caring about. I’m not sure if this has been a bad thing, or a good thing as of yet. I have had a peace about stepping back, but it just disturbs me that I’m not doing some things I know I “should be” doing according to all the good books. I suppose an evaluation of the fruit is in order, and frankly…well, in doing so today, it’s not great. I do have grapes in the crisper drawer in their little webby plastic and see through bag, and it looks like we’re ready to eat healthy, but upon a grasp of the grape, it is readily evident that they are past peak, a bit soft, a bit tart, and not worth the eating. Little Red, the fruit lover, wouldn’t even put one in his mouth yesterday…he just knew from the “little squishy” evaluation of a 5 year old that something was amiss. ”Mom! These are just…well…they are all sort of soft, and not good!”
I get it. Thinking about it in a deep sort of sense generally not good for mental health, I’d say in a raw moment of hoest, that’s a bit how I feel in just about every area. Though there is no mold yet, I think we are close. I’m surviving, I am the grape, I’m just “a little past prime” and not quite worth the risk of embracing.
I want the kind of fruit that is worth embracing.
So, my prayer needs to be, “Lord, get me out of my apathy”.
I wonder how I got here, really, for I am a passionate person in everything I do. I attack things head on and don’t care if everything doesn’t look “together” in the process…I’m not about intimidating people. Some balls have to fall to get other things done…and the Lord has blessed me with great “back-up”, or there is just no way my life would work as it does. It’s not me.
Lately, a lot of fatigue probably boils down to some hard to bear prayer burdens, some risky situations, disappointing events, overbearing household repetitive routines, heavy volunteerism, and flat-out need for summer refreshing.
I find myself in need of a total revamp for the refreshing to “stick”. You know that verse in Isaiah somewhere that talks about a cistern not being able to hold water because it is cracked? I need to drain the whole thing down, like a pool, seal the crack, and fill the thing back up, just like a swimming pool with a leaky liner. Man! I don’t want to! It’s too much work, and it’s not warm enough really to swim anyway! But, something tells me that for me to by ready and warm enough for use when it’s time, the time is now. I have to start now. The work is going to be…not fun. But, it will be rewarding.
Oh, God keeps filling me up, and we’re never running on dry…I have enough for the base-line tasks, always grace for the moment…but there is just none left over. And I’m tired of running on that. I want to see more passion in the basics in myself this summer– I want to see my laundry room well tended, my project room well-loved, not strewn and piled. I’m getting ready to say “no” to any distractions to that goal this summer, just in case. Right now, I’m nearly too tired to even tackle those jobs, but the sickness sometimes brings the desire to surface, which drives the doing when the energy comes.
I usually don’t post blogs this long anymore for respect of readers wanting to read many blogs, and deserving much more for their time, but, I just needed a moment to refocus and articulate the bit and peices of thought from my day…to put them in one cohesive unit and stop the madness of them bumping one another in my head, at times beginning to attack and accuse me rather than leading me to goals and new direction, as they should. Even more fatigue than I already feel with that spin cycle! So…
Lord, make me. Put your joy of basic living and basic calling and fundatmentals back into the energy of my fingertips. Make me smile every day. I will practice. Cause me to dealight in ”restoring dignity” to my primaries. Root me, and firmly establish me and the work of my hands. Give me grace for the children–they will, I already see and know, take me two steps forward and two steps back every single day this summer. I cleaned the laundry room Wednesday and went in there a minute ago and nearly had a coronary with the mess. Such disregard and carelessness. Help me teach them and still give them the fun and break they need. Give me strength and joy, and somehow, pass it on. Somehow!
Finally, give these readers grace for this rambling, and freedom to scan and pass by when posts are too long or deep, or personal for their mood. Today was a “me” post. Thank you for their community and “hellos” each day to bless me, even when the post isn’t for them. How blessed I am!
In Jesus’s Name.
The Real Me That You Know Already, Asking
MAGNANIMOUS FOLK